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Old 04-01-2019, 01:59 PM   #1
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Default This is my boat maintenance thread

A few years ago I bought a 1987 Sea Ray Weekender 268 for reasonably short money. The boat was in fantastic shape and was clearly well-cared for its entire life.

The story was that the original owners had passed on and the boat went into storage for many years until the daughter and her husband purchased it from the estate of the daughter's parents. The daughter and her husband sent the boat to a marina for assessment and repairs. The nature of the repairs included a new Alpha outdrive as well as replacing the 454 shortblock, bellows, cables etc.

After a couple years of ownership, the couple discovered this isn't the boat for them and they put it up for sale.

As a result of impeccable timing, I found the sale ad, spoke with the husband and eventually agreed on a sale price. I was quite excited about the work that was recently performed on my new boat and that would allow me to concentrate on other things that required attention...the teak, the need for scrubbing and waxing the gel coat and the types of items that could otherwise be taken care of on the water for the most part.

One small thing that bugged me, though, was knowing the Alpha drive wasn't exactly up to the task of handling the Big Block power out of the hole and with that, I could never feel safe hitting the throttle without the potential of stripping the Alpha gearbox. A detail I was willing to live with.

The purchase of my boat was made late enough in the season to where we enjoyed it only twice then proceeded to winterize it. That following spring is where my joy of boating would immediately be challenged.

Our maiden voyage for (what was supposed to be) an amazing season, we splashed into Alton Bay in early May on an overcast but otherwise perfect day. We blasted across the lake to Meredith for lunch then up to Moultonboro for sight-seeing before heading back. For much of the day I noticed that the temp gauge would spike after coming off plane but it was manageable if I slowly backed off the throttle. First thought was the impeller was degrading...even though it didn't make much sense considering the extensive parts list prior to my purchase.

About 6hrs after launching, we made our way from lunch in Meredith up to Moultonboro. As we circled out of Moutonboro I decided to go WOT for the first time just to experience full song of the Big Block. This lasted all of 3 minutes and act of going WOT would prove to be something that uncovered a very big issue, and likely the source of my temp spike.

As we made our way back toward Downing's Landing, a loud tapping slowly developed. It could have been anything...I was praying for a circulating pump or power steering pump or alternator, anything. However, as I lifted the engine cover I knew....I just knew the answer and my answer was going to cost many thousands of dollars. My new short block was grinding itself to death due to what was later found to be a blown head gasket and water intrusion to the oil (mechanic not torquing any of the fasteners properly).

Ugh!



After some forum posts and a few private messages, I discovered I was cultivating a new friendship with someone who couldn't be more valuable with their guidance. I also found I got along very well with this person and we shared laughs in a lot of the same things. Anyway, certainly a great person with a lot of information to offer and a refreshing new face that I quickly learned to call "friend".

Engine #2 was located in a town near me. I saw it run on an engine stand in front of me prior to purchase and all seemed well. It was crusty and old but it burned gas and made power. Installed that engine toward the end of the season and chose to fire it up that following spring rather than fire and winterize right away.

Come that spring, I complete all the details of the engine install for #2 and proceed to turn the key for the first time....crank, crank, crank, crank.....crank, crank, crank, backfire through the carb.



I cannot explain in words what took place but this no starting issue was eventually traced to an intake valve on cylinder 5 was stuck open so badly that it required a hammer and punch in order for it to be completely removed from the head. This, to say the least, was frustrating. Engine #2 had to be removed for the ensuing head work as much of the hardware would clearly require some torch work. The silver lining here is that a 454 with Alpha drive can be removed from my boat in 40-45 minutes with an extra hand.

After correcting all the crusty hardware, lapping valves/ head rebuild and reinstalling the engine once again, the joys of Engine #2 would be short lived as I would soon discover considerable blow-by taking place and eventually a spark issue developed that remains undiagnosed.

Ugh! Another season passes.



And so I gave up. I gave up on fighting this old technology. I gave up on worrying about the Alpha drive blowing up (if I ever did get an engine to run properly). I gave up on putting my energy toward fighting. Clearly my boat needs something...maybe a new captain? Maybe I should scuttle it on the Witches? Maybe I am simply not to enjoy this kind of family time?





BAH! Horse puckey!



I looked to my friend for the next steps. I talked with him about what I'd really want to do, which was to go with fuel injection and at least a Bravo...but this would mean a transom assy because the Alpha certainly wouldn't take the extra 50hp over the carb'ed 454 and even a built 350 might present some issues. Ultimately a 350 was not the desirable route for a few reasons.

As I began to peruse sale ads, I eventually found an engine and outdrive combo that fit the bill...a fuel injected big block and Bravo III outdrive with transom assy. Everything was matched serial numbers, the seller knows the history and it's all with ~400hrs on it.

Took a drive to CT, met the seller and saw the entire package all winterized and wrapped on a skid...all removed at the marina due to hull failure.

After some back-and-forth on pricing, we settled on a good place for both of us and I went back down to CT and scooped up my fuelie big block and transom assy.



This season will be the biggest project yet as I look to prepare the transom to accept the Bravo then install an engine that was made 12 years after the boat was produced and make it all work as intended.



The intent of this thread is to capture my story as a DIY boat owner. To provide information as I learn it and to hopefully show someone that boats aren't scary, they're just a gigantic pain in the ass that is totally worth the price of admission provided there is enough love and patience.


This is my boat maintenance thread...
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Old 04-01-2019, 04:26 PM   #2
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Quite the saga. I appreciate your patience. I've replaced an engine (new) under warranty, and once with a used engine on another boat. The new engine with the dealer doing the work under warranty was much the more pleasant experience. And another year warranty. Obviously, that was the (way) more expensive situation. Happy Boating.
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Old 04-01-2019, 04:37 PM   #3
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Oh poor POOR Richard! I feel sorry for you!
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Old 04-01-2019, 04:53 PM   #4
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A few years ago I bought a 1987 Sea Ray Weekender 268 for reasonably short money. The boat was in fantastic shape and was clearly well-cared for its entire life.
Seems every saga boat story starts this way...… I swear is was a really good deal. Three engines later? That's pretty tough.
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Old 04-01-2019, 05:55 PM   #5
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There is a much easier way. Just saying.... haha
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Old 04-01-2019, 06:31 PM   #6
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Boating is suppose to be fun and relaxing. IMO, If you are spending more time taking care of your boat than being out on the water enjoying it then that's not boating.
Although if you enjoy working on your boat then, more power to you. I have better things to do with the very little spare time that I have.
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Old 04-01-2019, 06:36 PM   #7
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Boating is suppose to be fun and relaxing. IMO, If you are spending more time taking care of your boat than being out on the water enjoying it then that's not boating.

Although if you enjoy working on your boat then, more power to you. I have better things to do with the very little spare time that I have.
^ This. And I'd be interested in overall cost vs. buying a better condition boat in the first place.

I hope everything works out for you--certainly frustrating when things don't go right.

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Old 04-01-2019, 06:42 PM   #8
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Moral of the story.... GET. A. SURVEY!


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Old 04-01-2019, 07:27 PM   #9
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Moral of the story.... GET. A. SURVEY!


Woodsy
Exactly which surveyor would have gone so far as to check and find the incorrectly torqued engine hardware I mentioned?
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Old 04-01-2019, 08:15 PM   #10
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Ebay has a new Yamaha 300-hp outboard for $26,000 that would easily solve this engine problem ...... just back the boat up to Ebay .....and slap that outboard onto the transom ...... easy!

Like, why mess with an inboard-outboard?
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Old 04-01-2019, 09:02 PM   #11
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Let's hope your transom is solid.

You will find out when you switch the transom assembly.

Good luck!
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Old 04-01-2019, 09:22 PM   #12
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Surveys are a get what you pay for business... you can have just hull integrity checked (water/rot/cracks/etc) all the way up to full motor checks with fuel & engine oil sent out for analysis. Last time I had one I paid $40/ft for full scan. That was years ago.

If you paid the $$$ a compression test and a leak down test should/would have been performed in an attempt to confirm the health of the motors... any head gasket issues (if they existed then) would have shown up.

Its also quite possible the water impeller disintegrated or wasn't installed properly. Its in the middle of the Alpha and the little tube can crack or break (it gets brittle) and cause the overheat condition that can in turn cause a blown head gasket.

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Old 04-01-2019, 10:31 PM   #13
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In the not too distant past, I have paid $150 for a home inspection on a $2500K house and $450 for a survey on a $75K boat. One tool 90 minutes and the other took a three hours, followed by sea trials and a hull exam with a review after some repairs were made. The home inspection, relatively speaking was a joke, but the bank required it. A $5K furnace replacement was not found in the home inspection. $6K in running gear was found and fixed after the marine survey. What do you think was the relative value?
BTW, the bank required a certified "Homer inspector". I also used my own HVAC guy, not a "Home inspector" and the seller paid for a new furnace.
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Old 04-02-2019, 07:23 AM   #14
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eesh.. that's a rough beginning with a new-to-you boat. i feel for ya bud. it sucks when you end up with someone else's headache. i don't think i would've gone as far as you have, i likely would've traded that sucker after the first motor tanked on me. but hey, if you love the thing and want to make it right, i fully understand that thought process. keep us posted on your progress and good luck! you deserve some...
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Old 04-02-2019, 07:39 AM   #15
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Oh poor POOR Richard! I feel sorry for you!
I feel bad for Poor Richard, and after reading his sad tale of woe, I couldn't help but think how apropos his user name is.

It also reminds me of the meaning of B.O.A.T. : Bring Out Another Thousand (or more, and in this case, much more )
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Old 04-02-2019, 08:15 AM   #16
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I have to put a couple new trim solenoid's in my boat before it goes in the water and I'm not happy about that. Trying to contort this 65 year old body down in the bilge will probably leave me in traction for a week.

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Old 04-02-2019, 09:38 AM   #17
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At this point I can't help but smile, chuckle and keep moving on.


The way I see it is we can pontificate all day long about a survey. My opinion on the matter is that a survey likely would not have caught the issue with the 1st engine. Let's not assume anything else that I did or did not do leading up to my purchase. I have the right people and skills and did not go into this blindly. Someone did not perform their job correctly on the engine work and it took whatever set of circumstances and/ or time for it to become fully exposed.

The second engine was where I gambled and lost. I knew at that time I "should" have gone for the Bravo upgrade right then and there.

It all comes down to this...she's spat out two mills now. She wants the upgrades and I'm not going to fight her on this any longer.


Writing a check for another boat..........

Anyone can do it that way! Lazy bums!


With all of the fun I've posted, I am able to post all of it with a certain appreciation in the amount of knowledge that I gained about my specific boat as well as going on a much deeper dive than I've ever been with regards to marine applications.

We are at today and I own all of the steps I have taken. "Woe is me" isn't the message here. Sure, I felt frustrated and defeated at one point. I also happened to develop an exceptional friendship in all this.


The reward will be worth every ounce of the friction it took to arrive here.
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Old 04-02-2019, 09:54 AM   #18
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Love your attitude. Thanks for sharing.
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Old 04-02-2019, 11:01 AM   #19
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Sad story but I'd have to ask if a 30+ year old boat merits this much work? I believe this is known as the "Sunk Cost Fallacy", no pun intended. In any event, Good Luck!
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Old 04-02-2019, 09:39 PM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Biggd View Post
I have to put a couple new trim solenoid's in my boat before it goes in the water and I'm not happy about that. Trying to contort this 65 year old body down in the bilge will probably leave me in traction for a week.
If you feel this job to be too difficult, I'd like to offer my own service to help. Send me a message to discuss if you'd like to.

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Old 04-02-2019, 09:49 PM   #21
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Poor Richard,

This thread makes me very happy to read. I applaud you on your adventure on sticking through all the repairs of this boat since you've owned it. Certainly not easy or cheap for the average person but I can tell right away you're above average to get it done and not giving up. Like others have said to look at certain things, I'm recommending the same. Inspect the transom assembly of the boat hull for any soft spots. Now is the time to do anything needed before installing the new parts. Aside from the usual way to handle the repairs, if you need any help with this project don't hesitate to ask. There's many useful people with many years of knowledge and experience to side you with this. I am one of those people myself. If for any reason any question you may think you have, just ask. Looking forward to seeing this progress over the next few weeks or however long it may take to hopefully see this boat on the lake this season.
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Old 04-03-2019, 11:48 AM   #22
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This is a good thread.... I like it... a man and his boat.

Now on the topic of a survey... I don't disagree they can be useful. But I also believe that there is a time and place for them... if you spending 30 or 40 K on a used boat, yes get a survey....

If your spending less then 10K, you need to weigh the pros and cons.....

I didn't get a survey on my last boat... yep, maybe they would have caught the blistering issue maybe not, it didn't become real apparent until the third year I owned the boat..... In the end I likely would have bought the boat in the end, because I liked it that much...

In the end if I had the boat surveys at 40$ per foot = 1K extra to the cost of the boat.... and the epoxy coat below the waterline I would have still had installed.... So in the end, I saved myself 1K....

If you get into boating worried about the cost of repairs and maintaining the boat, you are not a boater... If you get into it thinking about the fun you can have, and the fact that you are never going to see a profit in owning a boat just like a car, your one the right track....

Does anyone get a survey for a car when they buy it?
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Old 04-03-2019, 03:15 PM   #23
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LI...

Last time I helped someone buy a used car it went straight to the mechanic for a REAL inspection, the day we picked it up... THe dealership knew this and was onboard. In essence a survey for a car! He found a bunch of issues that with a little back & forth the dealership fixed.

When it comes to a boat survey... yes, the boat price is an issue. However, given the astronomical costs of fixing boats, especially if you have a tight budget.. I feel its worth it. In your case, you were ok, as the blistering while ugly isnt a structural defect. But what it it was a rotted transom or rotted stringers?


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Old 04-03-2019, 04:57 PM   #24
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This is a good thread.... I like it... a man and his boat.

Now on the topic of a survey... I don't disagree they can be useful. But I also believe that there is a time and place for them... if you spending 30 or 40 K on a used boat, yes get a survey....

If your spending less then 10K, you need to weigh the pros and cons.....

I didn't get a survey on my last boat... yep, maybe they would have caught the blistering issue maybe not, it didn't become real apparent until the third year I owned the boat..... In the end I likely would have bought the boat in the end, because I liked it that much...

In the end if I had the boat surveys at 40$ per foot = 1K extra to the cost of the boat.... and the epoxy coat below the waterline I would have still had installed.... So in the end, I saved myself 1K....

If you get into boating worried about the cost of repairs and maintaining the boat, you are not a boater... If you get into it thinking about the fun you can have, and the fact that you are never going to see a profit in owning a boat just like a car, your one the right track....

Does anyone get a survey for a car when they buy it?
I just had a pre-buy Inspection done on a vehicle I purchased from Texas, sight unseen. This company went in, did a comprehensive inspection and generated a very detailed report on the vehicle. They found a few minor issues, and I ended up purchasing the vehicle.

https://www.yourmechanic.com/service...car-inspection
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Old 04-03-2019, 10:00 PM   #25
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When it comes to motorized toys it is often not the cost to acquire that hurts, but the cost to keep.

O.P. I look forward to seeing your boat out on the big lake this season.
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Old 04-04-2019, 04:24 PM   #26
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Four years ago I had a survey done, cost was closer to $15'/foot. ($450, 30 ft boat, twin engines, genset, etc.) $40 quoted above seems high. Worth every penny to me and a fair deal resulted for buyer and seller. Also paid lift fees to do bottom and running gear inspection. Money well spent. OTOH, if a single engine boat, no plumbing, a/c, other systems, I might just settle for a sea trial and maybe a compression check.
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Old 04-04-2019, 04:55 PM   #27
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Good luck! Eager to see how it all works out.
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Old 04-09-2019, 09:51 AM   #28
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Poor Richard,

This thread makes me very happy to read. I applaud you on your adventure on sticking through all the repairs of this boat since you've owned it. Certainly not easy or cheap for the average person but I can tell right away you're above average to get it done and not giving up. Like others have said to look at certain things, I'm recommending the same. Inspect the transom assembly of the boat hull for any soft spots. Now is the time to do anything needed before installing the new parts. Aside from the usual way to handle the repairs, if you need any help with this project don't hesitate to ask. There's many useful people with many years of knowledge and experience to side you with this. I am one of those people myself. If for any reason any question you may think you have, just ask. Looking forward to seeing this progress over the next few weeks or however long it may take to hopefully see this boat on the lake this season.
Thank you for the encouragement and offer of advice.

This project will be a relatively slow one in the sense that there is a lot of work to do for things to be proper. I was informed of something called "Bravoitis" and my BravoIII has been stricken with it. There are some other items that need attention as well...steering linkage, paint and quite possibly a gimbal bearing.

On the engine, it's looking like a starter and some exhaust manifold work is in order as well as replacing the busted pulley for the Bravo water pump. And while there weren't any error codes to speak of, it seems the TPS is not reporting correctly in that it never sees 100% open. So, there's a little work to be had on the engine as well.

The one detail I have yet to account for at this point in time is when the current "Bralpha" set up is removed. It comes down to a storage issue once that's all been gutted, more so with the engine.

Ideally I'd want to sell the combo of the Alpha transom assy/ Bravo engine as a package. Perhaps I will find a buyer in advance...
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Old 04-09-2019, 01:05 PM   #29
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Thank you for the encouragement and offer of advice.

This project will be a relatively slow one in the sense that there is a lot of work to do for things to be proper. I was informed of something called "Bravoitis" and my BravoIII has been stricken with it. There are some other items that need attention as well...steering linkage, paint and quite possibly a gimbal bearing.

On the engine, it's looking like a starter and some exhaust manifold work is in order as well as replacing the busted pulley for the Bravo water pump. And while there weren't any error codes to speak of, it seems the TPS is not reporting correctly in that it never sees 100% open. So, there's a little work to be had on the engine as well.

The one detail I have yet to account for at this point in time is when the current "Bralpha" set up is removed. It comes down to a storage issue once that's all been gutted, more so with the engine.

Ideally I'd want to sell the combo of the Alpha transom assy/ Bravo engine as a package. Perhaps I will find a buyer in advance...
Bravoitis is mostly a salt water problem, once you clean up the aluminum oxide and prime/paint it, it should be sorted out for years to come. I just checked mine over the weekend when I had the engine out and after 19 years of mostly fresh water use and trailer storage when not being used, my Bravo does not have the affliction.

I have a spare TPS you can try, and a scan tool to see if it's working right once installed. Um, yeah, I'm gonna need you to work this weekend on a TPS report though.
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Old 04-09-2019, 02:46 PM   #30
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Little Bear and Woodsy, what you reference with vehicle is not a Survey, it is nothing more then an inspection, which I have done, myself on cars for years.

I also spend time inspecting a boat before I buy it.

It really comes down to how knowledgeable you are when it come to these things.

A car just like a boat, my tactic, is to get the seller to agree that my mechanic, will evaluate either just prior or just after the sale...

Now what a survey takes into account for a boat, beyond the mechanical, are things like moisture content in the transom etc. like Woodsy mentioned, condition of the interior etc. etc.... Most often the are required by banks to get a loan anyways if you are in the price range where they make sense....

I am not saying that Survey's are useless, not at all, but to make it sound like they are mandatory I think is a bit extreme... I have looked at a lot of boats over the years, and point out quite often the issues to the owners, who think they are selling the worlds best used boat.

What I find is the biggest useful tool when looking at a used boat, is using your common sense, and not letting yourself get emotional over the idea of buying the boat. I walked away from to deals last year on boats that fit all my criteria, because owner didn't want to answer the hard questions... The other two boats I missed out on last year where because, people beat me to them......After the end of July, I told myself, I like my current boat, I am not willing to compromise on what I want... And I would just hold off.... This year I am glad I did, it doesn't look like I am going to get enough lake time this year with kids graduating, and looking to by a new home!!!!
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Old 04-09-2019, 04:10 PM   #31
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Um, yeah, I'm gonna need you to work this weekend on a TPS report though.
I believe you have my stapler.

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Old 04-09-2019, 06:30 PM   #32
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I have felt the pain of "Bravo-itis", twice.

My FL boat operates in and sits above (on a lift) salt water.

As it was explained to me:

The water hose that passes through the transom assembly becomes constricted.

The passage for the hose gets corroded and squeezes the hose from the outside.

Mercruiser has a fix for this but, as I discovered the hard way, the new hardware can be installed incorrectly.

A hard plastic insert keeps the new hose from crushing.

If the hose is allowed to twist during insert installation, it can preload the hose in such a way that it later allows enough twisting to restrict water flow.

For me, the smoking gun was a lack of water pressure with the helm hard over.

The "Professionals" did the incorrect repair.

An independent mechanic corrected it.

I hope this helps someone here.
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Old 04-09-2019, 06:46 PM   #33
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I have felt the pain of "Bravo-itis", twice.

My FL boat operates in and sits above (on a lift) salt water.

As it was explained to me:

The water hose that passes through the transom assembly becomes constricted.

The passage for the hose gets corroded and squeezes the hose from the outside.

Mercruiser has a fix for this but, as I discovered the hard way, the new hardware can be installed incorrectly.

A hard plastic insert keeps the new hose from crushing.

If the hose is allowed to twist during insert installation, it can preload the hose in such a way that it later allows enough twisting to restrict water flow.

For me, the smoking gun was a lack of water pressure with the helm hard over.

The "Professionals" did the incorrect repair.

An independent mechanic corrected it.

I hope this helps someone here.
The one big advantage of having outboards on the ocean. The motors have the quick flush fittings. After every outing just lift the motors out of the salt water and give them a quick fresh water flush.
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Old 04-09-2019, 06:49 PM   #34
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At this point I can't help but smile, chuckle and keep moving on.


The way I see it is we can pontificate all day long about a survey. My opinion on the matter is that a survey likely would not have caught the issue with the 1st engine. Let's not assume anything else that I did or did not do leading up to my purchase. I have the right people and skills and did not go into this blindly. Someone did not perform their job correctly on the engine work and it took whatever set of circumstances and/ or time for it to become fully exposed.

The second engine was where I gambled and lost. I knew at that time I "should" have gone for the Bravo upgrade right then and there.

It all comes down to this...she's spat out two mills now. She wants the upgrades and I'm not going to fight her on this any longer.


Writing a check for another boat..........

Anyone can do it that way! Lazy bums!


With all of the fun I've posted, I am able to post all of it with a certain appreciation in the amount of knowledge that I gained about my specific boat as well as going on a much deeper dive than I've ever been with regards to marine applications.

We are at today and I own all of the steps I have taken. "Woe is me" isn't the message here. Sure, I felt frustrated and defeated at one point. I also happened to develop an exceptional friendship in all this.


The reward will be worth every ounce of the friction it took to arrive here.
FWIW, there is a guy on youtube that has numerous video's on the COMPLETE restoration he did on a 1995 22' SeaRay from the ground up, (that he had no intention of doing) as well as some other video's he's done on a classic Glastron/Carlson. He bought the SeaRay thinking it was pretty much "turn key", only to find out it needed some work, which turned out to be a complete restoration!! His video's are very informative, and he is just a at home, "do it yourselfer" that takes a lot of pride in his work. Your "experience" reminded me of him. You can find all his video's under "FriscoBoater's Garage" on youtube. I believe he is from Texas. He has video's on pretty much anything you can possibly do to a boat!! Engine R & R, outdrive, gimbal bearing, captains choice exhaust, fiberglass, gel coat, etc,etc,etc... Just fine tune your search, and he has probably done it!! Definitely worth checking out. Congrats to your "can do, never give up" attitude. Love it. You are a rare breed. Too bad they don't teach that stuff anymore. Reminds me of a cliche we had when I was in the service: "We have done so much, with so little, for so long, that we can do anything with nothing"!! Mother Teresa / USMC

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Old 04-09-2019, 08:32 PM   #35
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The one big advantage of having outboards on the ocean. The motors have the quick flush fittings. After every outing just lift the motors out of the salt water and give them a quick fresh water flush.
After each use I thoroughly rinse off the outdrive and transom assembly and also run the motor on fresh water for ten minutes.

I have been told that the risers and manifolds, being open to the air, are going to rust anyway but maybe a little slower as a result of my diligence.

After repeatedly losing the salt war on my I/O's down there I am certain that my next FL boat will be an outboard!
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Old 04-10-2019, 06:34 AM   #36
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After each use I thoroughly rinse off the outdrive and transom assembly and also run the motor on fresh water for ten minutes.

I have been told that the risers and manifolds, being open to the air, are going to rust anyway but maybe a little slower as a result of my diligence.

After repeatedly losing the salt war on my I/O's down there I am certain that my next FL boat will be an outboard!
I/Os and constant salt water use are a terrible match, I/Os and constant warm salt water use are worse... I'm making changes to my boating lifestyle that includes a lot of warm salt water and my "new" boat is inboard with closed cooling. No more I/Os for me. I'm sure I'll have a host of new things to deal with, but I won't miss changing gimbal bearings, bellows, shift cables, U-joints, gimbal rings, trim senders and all the other wear items on an I/O.

I will miss the speed and efficiency though, my "new" boat tops out at 5 knots less than the cruising speed of my I/O boat. Being able to easily and comfortably cruise 100+ nm a day while also having plenty of time to spend in interesting ports made for some great adventures.

The OP must have picked up a 454MAG EFI or MPI, which is the rectangular port version of the 454 if he's seeing a 50 hp increase over his alpha/454 combo. That MAG version has a bigger cam compared to the oval port truck 454s that are much more common. It also has all the wonderful forged and balanced internal parts and a higher WOT RPM. Combined with a B3 on a 268 weekender, it will be an awesome package, IMO. Additionally, I am pretty sure it's actually a 75HP or 85HP increase over the oval port carbureted motor too, if memory serves. This is because between the time the two motors were rated for power, they switched from rating at crankshaft HP to rating at prop shaft HP, which subtracts all the losses in the drive. The 454MAG EFI or MPI is a really a 415 HP engine (385 at the prop shaft). The carbureted oval port 454 is only 330 HP, 300 at the prop shaft. Should be a fantastic project with awesome hardware!
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Old 04-10-2019, 08:41 AM   #37
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I was under the impression the carb'ed oval port 454's were making 285hp....?


Also, Bravoitis, anyone?


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Old 04-10-2019, 09:16 AM   #38
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I was under the impression the carb'ed oval port 454's were making 285hp....?


Also, Bravoitis, anyone?


Oval port 454s made 300 HP at the propshaft until they went with fuel injection and then they went up to 310 HP. I am pretty sure square port 454s made 365 HP at the propshaft until they went to fuel injection and then they went up to 385 HP. The most desirable of the square port motors have a gen VI block with a roller cam. I'm pretty sure the quickest way to spot one is the serpentine belt and starboard-facing flame arrestor on the intake. They'll say 454MAG EFI or 454MAG MPI depending on the year, but I think both of those engines are identical, unlike some early EFI/MPI designations where the EFI motors used two throttle body injectors and MPI motors used eight intake runner injectors.
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Old 05-06-2019, 11:15 AM   #39
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I would like to thank Irwin Marine in Hudson, NH for their professionalism and excellent service in wrapping and storing my boat this past winter.


And with that said, the boat is home however the fun cannot begin quite yet as the trailer suspension is in very poor condition.

Last season one of the main leaves on the front axle snapped due to an inadequate design on the spring stacks that results in a stress point just inside the eyelets on the main leaf. After a bunch of phone calls it was soon realized that I cannot purchase off-the-shelf springs for this trailer so I had Donovan Spring in Londonderry NH make a couple main leaves.

Fast forward to this season and the decision was made to replace all 4 spring stacks while uprating the springs on both axles. I have always felt the trailer is undersprung for this old boat and now that everything is sagging, it's time to get that detail sorted out.

Anyone want to guess what a 1987 Weekender 268 w/ single 454 Alpha weighs?

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Old 05-06-2019, 11:47 AM   #40
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I would like to thank Irwin Marine in Hudson, NH for their professionalism and excellent service in wrapping and storing my boat this past winter.


And with that said, the boat is home however the fun cannot begin quite yet as the trailer suspension is in very poor condition.

Last season one of the main leaves on the front axle snapped due to an inadequate design on the spring stacks that results in a stress point just inside the eyelets on the main leaf. After a bunch of phone calls it was soon realized that I cannot purchase off-the-shelf springs for this trailer so I had Donovan Spring in Londonderry NH make a couple main leaves.

Fast forward to this season and the decision was made to replace all 4 spring stacks while uprating the springs on both axles. I have always felt the trailer is undersprung for this old boat and now that everything is sagging, it's time to get that detail sorted out.

Anyone want to guess what a 1987 Weekender 268 w/ single 454 Alpha weighs?

7600 lbs excluding trailer
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Old 05-06-2019, 01:52 PM   #41
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7600 lbs excluding trailer
Dave that would be dry weight correct? Also excluding bedding, cookery, other items not part of the boat, etc..

If so, it could easily exceed 8000 lbs, yes?

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Old 05-06-2019, 02:08 PM   #42
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Boat weighs in at 5425lbs (dry) according to iboats....

http://boatspecs.iboats.com/Sea_Ray_...87/bp/66b76570

Add on another 1000 for fuel, fluids, stuff etc etc

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Old 05-06-2019, 03:12 PM   #43
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I feel like 5425lbs dry seems conservative. It just tows like it's heavier than that, especially the last hill leading up to my house. I'd put dry weight closer to 6000.

FWIW, the trailer is currently spec'ed for 7500lbs and I've always felt it wasn't enough. New springs will be rated for a total of 8500lbs...possibly as high as 9000.
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Old 05-06-2019, 07:18 PM   #44
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My Regal is listed at 4300 lbs dry. Weighs 1700 more than that in normal use. My 7600 lb guess was with the boat loaded up for cruising.
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Old 05-07-2019, 06:42 AM   #45
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There is a much easier way. Just saying.... haha
Have a home here in FL and one on the lake. Own a '14 26' Four Winns up there and in a boat club down here. You are so RIGHT!. Owning a boat is insanely expensive and a PITA. That said, there's something to be said about having your boat on the dock and ready to go. I would never own a boat in Naples. It would ruin the experience but on he lake? We are fortunate and can afford it so I probably wouldn't change but it's a close call!
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Old 05-07-2019, 09:38 AM   #46
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Have a home here in FL and one on the lake. Own a '14 26' Four Winns up there and in a boat club down here. You are so RIGHT!. Owning a boat is insanely expensive and a PITA. That said, there's something to be said about having your boat on the dock and ready to go. I would never own a boat in Naples. It would ruin the experience but on he lake? We are fortunate and can afford it so I probably wouldn't change but it's a close call!
Is there better mechanics/marinas in Naples? Because everyone has their praise stories of XX marina bent over backwards for me. But I haven't found a marina yet that could hold its staff multiple seasons or ever fix my boat correctly the first time. Every spring I'm dealing with a new service manager. So like you said, I love boating etc but man what a PITA it is. I don't have any FLA experience so I am more curious if its all the same everywhere or just because where we live its a 5 months season and then a long winter.
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Old 05-07-2019, 10:30 AM   #47
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Your local town transfer station could have a drive-on scale for weighing vehicles and trailers, coming and going, and charging by the pound ….. which they probably let you use for free, just to weigh it, and give you a printed weight receipt.
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Old 05-07-2019, 11:56 AM   #48
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Your local town transfer station could have a drive-on scale for weighing vehicles and trailers, coming and going, and charging by the pound ….. which they probably let you use for free, just to weigh it, and give you a printed weight receipt.
That's how I know how much my boat weighs.
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Old 06-03-2019, 02:15 PM   #49
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So, before any real boat work can commence, sorting out the trailer is first on the list. I will be respringing for 9000lbs.

Right now I'm in leaf spring hell as I discovered a busted leaf on my Tundra...this in addition to the four spring stacks that are being replaced/ uprated on the trailer.

I have sent everything over to Donovan Spring in Londonderry, NH as they have done great work for me over the years.

This past weekend involved many jack stands to support the boat/ trailer combo then dropping both trailer axles followed by dropping the right rear of the truck and removing that spring stack.

One notable issue with the trailer that I am trying to figure out is, one of the greasable shackle bolts somehow welded itself to the spring mount on the trailer frame. None of the others were like this however, I was certainly impressed to see my brazing tip and a small sledgehammer were not enough to break it free. At this point I want to be careful here as I prefer not to burn off the galvanizing layer so it's time to dust off the air chisel, add heat and go to town!

Pics coming soon.
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Old 06-03-2019, 05:47 PM   #50
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Just "respringing" the trailer for 9000lbs does not give you a 9000lb rating.... just a 9000lb crappy ride for your boat.

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Old 06-03-2019, 07:09 PM   #51
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Would you say it's more crappy or less crappy than the worn out suspension that bottoms out whenever a tire hits an acorn?

What do you suggest for options? Air ride? The breath of 1000 virgins?
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Old 06-04-2019, 08:38 AM   #52
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Poor Richard...

Since you so sarcastically asked... I suggest you get an accurate weight on your boat and set the trailer up accordingly. According to SeaRay (those smart people who built your boat)...

The dry weight of your boat is 5425lbs
Fuel tank 100 gals (6lb/gal) = 600lbs
Water Tank 24 gals (8lb/gal) = 200lbs
Misc Boat Stuff (lifejackets/coolers etc)= 275lbs - this is a stretch!

Total weight of Boat = 6500lbs

If you spring your trailer for 7000lbs - 7500lbs you will be right where you want to be. 9000lb springs are not only overkill, they are potentially dangerous as the suspension will have no give.... Make sure you check the tongue weight with the new springs and adjust the boat position on the trailer accordingly. (This assumes your current trailer is actually rated for the weight of the boat - check the title)

Here is the link to the SeaRay data sheet... https://www.searay.com/www.searay.co...DERNKGJ526.pdf

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Old 06-04-2019, 12:17 PM   #53
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Trailer's spec'd for 7500 and it's not enough, even considering the sagging

SeaRay's numbers are not correct. I do a lot of towing and this boat is certainly heavier than 6500. I've had 6k of stone behind my Tundra and the truck is working much harder with the boat in tow.

DaveR's response is much closer to what I believe is the true weight

And my sarcastic response....just having a little fun. There wasn't much to go by from your post so I responded in an equally "helpful" manner.

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Old 06-04-2019, 01:03 PM   #54
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If you "think" your boat weighs more.... then take it to a commercial scale and get a true weight....

IMHO there is no way in hell that boat weighs ANYTHING close to 9000lbs!

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Old 06-04-2019, 07:23 PM   #55
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Woodsy, my love, no one is saying my boat weighs 9k.



I am springing for 9k because the boat is certainly heavier than Sea Ray's advertised dry weight with full provisions considered. Engines are missing from the math and those options came in the form of a single 454, single 350 or twin 350's. I'll leave you to surmise which engine was equipped for Sea Ray's dry weight calculation.

The capacity of the hot water and gray water holding tanks, respectively, were not calculated in your post.

I also carry full toolbox in the midship storage plus oils, fluids, cleaners, spare parts, etc, a couple anchors, some lengths of chain, plus the items for "surviving" on the water with my wife and kiddo.

There will be a slight increase to weight once the 7.4 MPI and B3 are installed.

If someone like DaveR is packing 1700lbs over dry weight of his Regal in full cruise mode that would still put me at 7125lbs even if 5425 is the calculated weight. I would certainly not spring for 7500 lbs even if these numbers were true because it would be far too close to the max capacity of the springs.

Having 2k lbs in suspension headroom with a 7000 pound vehicle will be just fine. Heck, my tractor is just about 4k and that thing runs around on a trailer rated for 7500 lbs and all is well!

I ask for you to trust that the person who is typing this has done the homework, has sought several opinions and inputs from a few sources and is moving forward with 9k springs. If it ends up being oversprung then, take confidence I'll be posting about it in this thread and I'll gladly eat crow.

Last edited by Poor Richard; 06-05-2019 at 07:21 AM. Reason: 5425 not 6500
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Old 06-04-2019, 08:48 PM   #56
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Woodsy, my love, no one is saying my boat weighs 9k.



I am springing for 9k because the boat is certainly heavier than Sea Ray's advertised dry weight with full provisions considered. Engines are missing from the math and those options came in the form of a single 454, single 350 or twin 350's. I'll leave you to surmise which engine was equipped for Sea Ray's dry weight calculation.

The capacity of the hot water and gray water holding tanks, respectively, were not calculated in your post.

I also carry full toolbox in the midship storage plus oils, fluids, cleaners, spare parts, etc, a couple anchors, some lengths of chain, plus the items for "surviving" on the water with my wife and kiddo.

There will be a slight increase to weight once the 7.4 MPI and B3 are installed.

If someone like DaveR is packing 1700lbs over dry weight of his Regal in full cruise mode that would still put me at 7125lbs even if 6500 is the calculated weight. I would certainly not spring for 7500 lbs even if these numbers were true because it would be far too close to the max capacity of the springs.

Having 2k lbs in suspension headroom with a 7000 pound vehicle will be just fine. Heck, my tractor is just about 4k and that thing runs around on a trailer rated for 7500 lbs and all is well!

I ask for you to trust that the person who is typing this has done the homework, has sought several opinions and inputs from a few sources and is moving forward with 9k springs. If it ends up being oversprung then, take confidence I'll be posting about it in this thread and I'll gladly eat crow.
If you think k the boat feels like it weighs more than it sounds like it should, it may be waterlogged.
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Old 06-04-2019, 10:23 PM   #57
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I agree with Woodsy in that it would be most valuable to get an accurate weight on the boat itself before proceeding with re-springing.

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Originally Posted by Poor Richard View Post
SeaRay's numbers are not correct. I do a lot of towing and this boat is certainly heavier than 6500. I've had 6k of stone behind my Tundra and the truck is working much harder with the boat in tow.
It sounds as though you've done quite a bit of research, but to be able to truly feel a noticeable difference between a ~6000 lb boat and a ~7500 lb boat behind your truck would lead me to believe there may be some other contributing factors; problems with the truck, perhaps, or from the sounds of the condition of the trailer, possibly an issue with the hubs and or trailer brakes.
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Old 06-05-2019, 05:18 AM   #58
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Make sure your axles are rated for 9,000 lbs or they will be the next thing to fail
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Old 01-07-2020, 10:21 PM   #59
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Winter update because never say die!

So it took a while but the trailer was eventually sorted out. What it took to get there is nothing short of amazing.

Upon removing suspension bits and the axles, I quickly discovered that installing new bushings was going to be a chore since ShoreLand'r used (what appeared to be) bronze bushings way back when. Instead of dealing with pressing then having to make up for the OD of the bushing, I sourced a drill bit set with the specific size I needed in order to open up the existing bushings...11/16" (Pics 1 and 2)

The really unfortunate thing will all this is discovering that one of the greaseable bolts welded itself to the bushing but also broke off the shackle it was attached to (Pic 3). This essentially meant that it was a miracle the suspension didn't unwind itself at some point on the road.

I broke out my oxy/ ace torches and proceeded to get exactly nowhere for 2 days. Up to this point I had 100% success rate of hardware removal with the torches and this bolt marks the first time I could not get hardware to budge.

In another stroke of luck, the way in which the bolt broke off the original shackle, I noticed there was already a known center point due to the fact the bolt is drilled down the center for the purpose of greasing. So I started drilling and oiling. Rinse and repeat while I put my new Ryobi drill to the test. In Pic 4 you can see the result. After drilling perfectly down the center of the bolt, I broke out the torches once again and brought my friend the pipe wrench into the mix. Success at last! And I was ready to install all my new hardware and springs.......sort of.

The off-the-shelf springs that I purchased on recommendation ended up being too long for the existing spring perches. The folks at Donovan did their best to get me a shackle setup that would compensate for this however, the shackles did not work as intended and they ended up sitting flat against the trailer frame once everything was on the ground.

Donovan asked for me to bring the springs in so they could shorten them. Of course, that meant I was dropping both axles once again.

Once all that was addressed, everything went back together as expected and a road trip was finally in order!

I am happy to report the trailer was stone silent during the trip and the action in the suspension appeared to be perfectly fine.


Next order of business will be sorting out and cleaning up the engine followed by servicing the transom assy and outdrive.

I'm really starting to get excited now!
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Old 01-09-2020, 02:14 PM   #60
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We are so fortunate to have Donovan Spring nearby, that's a class operation and their prices are incredible.

Best of luck with your project, cannot wait to find out how it comes out. I hope that 454MAG EFI (MPI) blows you away.
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Old 01-10-2020, 08:53 AM   #61
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Dave R View Post
I hope that 454MAG EFI (MPI) blows you away.
I'm sure it will because it can't be any worse than what the other two engines have done!


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Old 01-16-2020, 10:21 AM   #62
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Dave R View Post
We are so fortunate to have Donovan Spring nearby, that's a class operation and their prices are incredible.

Best of luck with your project, I cannot wait to find out how it comes out. I hope that 454MAG EFI (MPI) blows you away.
I can second that. Anytime I need suspension parts or major plow work done, I head to Londonderry.
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